Fantastic days out in the countryside are ahead as BikeBus scheme emerges

News

Villagers will be able to explore the countryside by bike using a new bus service.

The BikeBus Explorer will run between Gamlingay and Cambridge on Sundays and bank holidays.

The 20 seater low floor bus will tow a 24 cycle trailer so that people can hop on the bus before pedalling around the countryside.

The BikeBus, which is likely to start running in early summer, is being organised by South Cambs District Council in association with the National Trust, Cambridge City Council and the Wildlife Trust for Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.

The bus, which will make four round trips per day, will stop off at several visitor attractions including the Wimpole Estate, five Wildlife Trust sites and the county wildlife site at Longstowe.

Clare Gibbons, development officer at South Cambs District Council, said: “The Tour de France visiting the area is an excellent springboard to get this exciting project up and running.

“It is a first for Cambridgeshire and will give people a fantastic opportunity to explore the countryside without using their car.

“The villages near the route contain a great mix of businesses and visitor attractions including the Wimpole Estate and we believe that once people use the service and see what is on offer they will be back time and again.”

Maps and leaflets will be created to inform people of walking and cycling routes that can be accessed from the BikeBus stops. These will give mileage details, approximate timings and items of interest to see on the way.

Cycle stands will be installed at key locations along the route.

It is expected that there will be 2,850 passengers over the year long pilot period.

The scheme will encourage people from the Cambridge area to visit Gamlingay as well as enabling Gamlingay residents to spend more time on their bikes in the countryside. It also aims to encourage recreational cycling and so improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Additionally it will mean that more people can visit local attractions.

Cyclists will be able to take the bus to their start point and pedal home, avoiding the problem of cycling a long way and being too tired to make it home in comfort!